Williamsburg

By Debbie - 11:37 PM

Is Williamsburg the hippest neighborhood in NYC? It definitely is!

No wonder all fashionistas, it-girls, artists and socialites are renting (or crave to be able to rent) a studio in this neighborhood. Located just across the East River from Manhattan, you can either hop on a ferry at Pier 11/Wall Street or take the subway (one stop into Brooklyn).

If you personally ask me, I really want to go back to NYC to visit this neighborhood again, feel the vibe, taste the hip food, see the trends walking in the streets, meet cool people, shop vintage clothes and admire the view of Manhattan from the rooftops.

Here is my list with the top things to do in Williamsburg:

1. Visit the flea markets!

Smorgasburg is taking place at Saturdays at East River State Park and is open from 11am to 6pm through November. It is a hip food market with dozens of local food vendors serving gourmet eats, beverages and goods from all over the region. Try the hot dogs from the excellent Asia Dog and pizza from Pizza Moto. It is considered to be the best food market in all of the North East!

If you want vintage gems then visit Artists Camp Fleas (70 N. 7th St.). It is open all year round and is situated just a few blocks from the shops, bars and restaurants of bustling Bedford Ave. and steps from the Williamsburg waterfront, which hosts Smorgasburg.

2. Bedford Street

It is here where the heart of Williamsburg is beating. Bedford street is the most lively, stylish, trendy street of this neighborhood. There are wonderful shops: vintage clothing and jewelry, quirky new technologies and cafes, bars and restaurants.

3. Shop until you drop!

According to GQ mag, "Williamsburg is the best shopping hood in America"! Some recommendations are Catbird for jewelry, Amarcord for vintage clothing, Brooklyn Industrieswhich has become very popular among Brooklyites, Pema for its beautifully made store with an oriental-inspired style, Arwax a small record store that sells collector CDs and LPs. Look for Bedford Cheese Shop, a tiny windowless shop with an exceptional selection of cheese. It is definitely the best place in town for cheese so will you lose the opportunity to taste? However, don't stay stuck at Bedford street. Take some side streets like Grand Street, Berry Street and Wythe Ave. They all have shops, restaurants, bars and cafes to enjoy!

4. Rooftops!

Will you lose the opportunity to gaze at Manhattan skyline while sipping a cocktail? I bet not. North Sixth Street is the place to go to at night. There are bars and restaurants where locals hang out. Find a rooftop and enjoy the views that lay in front of you. Try the King&Grove Hotel for scenic views of the big apple.

Williamsburg Hot Spots:

SEA Thai Bistro: The best Thai restaurant in the neighborhood, a reason for people to come to Brooklyn. Find it at 114 N. Sixth St. between Berry and Wythe Streets. (718) 384-8850.

Fada: A French bistro, perfect for brunch. Located at 530 Driggs Ave., at N. Eighth St. (718) 388-6607.

Galapagos Arts Center: A beautiful art space, a gathering spot for neighborhood artists. It offers shows like theater, live music, dance and film and is popular for its Monday burlesque shows. Go at 70 N. Sixth St. (718) 782-5188.

Bedford Cheese Shop: Has an exquisite selection of international cheeses. Located at 218 Bedford Ave. at N. Fifth St. (718) 599-7588.

Pema: Original clothing by a young Tibetan designer. At 225 Bedford Ave. (718) 302-8830.

North Six: a large concert hall where youngsters hang out. Every night up-and-coming bands take the stage and play loud, obnoxious, badly written and sometimes truly great music. 66 N 6th St, (718) 559-5103

Rabbithole (address and info): a popular brunch spot (with a great outdoor garden) Known for is apple cake and cheesecake.

Where to Stay

Definitely at Wythe Hotel (80 Wythe Avenue). It is by far one of the hippest spots in Brooklyn. Opened in May '12, the hotel is a converted red-brick factory building on Williamsburg’s scenic waterfront, steps away from such institutions such as Brooklyn Bowl, the Brooklyn Brewery, and the neighborhood's Brooklyn Flea. Don't miss its scenic terrace cocktail bar!